Heathcote

Heathcote Elementary School

 Swimmy

 By Leo Lionni

 

 Dear Heathcote Family,

Welcome to a new school year. We are off to a terrific start. The beginning of every year presents us with new challenges and new unknowns that at times may appear to be intimidating for students, parents and staff. These things can often be conquered by the use of ingenuity and teamwork. Our first book this year, the classic story Swimmy by Leo Lionni, teaches us this lesson.

This wonderful simple story has within it many themes and possible lessons including: friendship, courage, cooperation, ocean life, leadership, fear and responsibility. The story also teaches us about diversity, and the hope and joy that is felt when overcoming adversity.

Swimmy is a Caldecott Honor Book and has also won the New York Times award for Best Illustrated Children’s Book of the Year. The illustrations are magnificent. I know that our student responses and artwork will be equally magnificent.

 A special thank you to Ms.Y for helping us to create our very own Heathcote Swimmy. I am looking forward to seeing it. My favorite quote from this story is: “We are going to swim all together like the biggest fish in the sea.” Working together I know that the Heathcote Swimmy will be able to conquer whatever comes his way.

Fondly,

Principal